NSTA Announces Sale of Headquarters Building

Association News

NSTA Announces Sale of Headquarters Building

By Erika Shugart, Ph.D., NSTA Executive Director, and Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Ed.D., NSTA 2022–2023 President

Posted on 2023-01-12

The COVID pandemic gave NSTA the opportunity to reflect on the need for office and meeting space in the Washington, D.C., area. The organization was able to continue to function at a high level throughout the pandemic, while staff worked remotely and NSTA members were able to take part in many excellent virtual meetings and professional programs. Due to these modifications in the need for office and meeting space, NSTA’s Board of Directors decided not to move forward with the construction of a new Center for Science Education and to sell the current NSTA Headquarters building (view press release), using the sale proceeds to continue to further the Association’s mission.

NSTA appreciates all who supported the vision for the John Glenn Center for Science Education. For those who donated, your contribution has been held in a restricted reserve account since we received it. Review the options below and provide guidance on how your donation should be handled. Please note that all actions must be completed by March 10; otherwise, we will automatically move your donation into The NSTA General Fund.

Move your donation to The NSTA General Fund. If you wish to keep your donation with NSTA to provide general support for NSTA’s mission-driven programs, then you do not need to do anything. The funds will be automatically transferred and used to help where the need is greatest. If you had a message that you requested to be engraved on a brick, your message will be included on our Building the Future page on our website by June 12, 2023.

Request to move your donation to The Next Generation Fund. This fund helps us build the future of the profession by supporting preservice and early career teachers. Your donation will be included in a fund that helps support educators who are new to the profession to attend an NSTA national conference so they can start their careers with a firm foundation. NSTA has distributed an e-mail and letter via USPS to all donors. If you have not received either communication, please contact us at donations@nsta.org. If you had a message that you requested to be engraved on a brick, it will be included on our Building the Future page on our website by June 12, 2023.

Request the return of your donation. If you no longer wish to support NSTA with your donation, then we are happy to return it to you. NSTA has distributed an e-mail and letter via USPS to all donors. If you have not received either communication, please contact us at donations@nsta.org. You will receive a check for your donation amount by June 10, 2023, and a 1099 form at year-end. Please consult with your tax advisors regarding the tax implications of a returned donation.

Again, all actions must be completed by March 10; otherwise, we will automatically move your donation into The NSTA General Fund. If you have any questions, please review our FAQ below or contact us at donations@nsta.org.

FAQs

Why is NSTA selling the building?

After a long and thorough process of weighing all possible options, NSTA’s Board of Directors decided to sell the property. NSTA will focus its efforts on furthering the Association’s mission to transform science education to benefit all. The Association will continue its work to provide equitable programs and strategies that empower educators at all stages of their professional journey and help to create a world where science literacy and education are recognized as vital to the future of our society.

What’s happening to the John Glenn Center for Science Education?

The COVID pandemic gave NSTA the opportunity to reflect on the need for office and meeting space in the Washington, D.C., area. The organization was able to continue to function at a high level throughout the pandemic, while staff worked remotely and NSTA members were able to take part in many excellent remote meetings and professional programs. Due to these modifications in the need for office and meeting space, NSTA’s Board of Directors decided not to move forward with the construction of a new Center for Science Education.

If I didn’t receive an email, how do I confirm that I donated?

In addition to an e-mail message, NSTA sent a letter via the USPS to all donors. If you have not received either communication, please contact us at donations@nsta.org. We will confirm your donation and provide the next steps.

How do I confirm how much I donated?

Please send an email to donations@nsta.org. NSTA will confirm the date(s) and the amount(s) by return e-mail.

What is the deadline to choose my donation or refund option?

You must notify NSTA by March 10; otherwise, we will automatically move your donation to The NSTA General Fund.

What happens to my message on my brick?

If you had a message that you requested to be engraved on a brick, your message will be included on our Building the Future page on our website by June 12, 2023. Please note that this is only applicable to individuals who decide to move their donation to the NSTA General Fund or the Next Generation Fund.

What if I want to change my message?

In the Donation Preference Form that was e-mailed to all donors, there is a section where you can add a new message. If you prefer to keep your original message, simply leave the section blank and we will by default use your original message. If you did not receive an e-mail, please contact us at donations@nsta.org.

What do I do if I want to give my donation to NSTA?

If you wish to keep your donation with NSTA to provide general support for NSTA’s mission-driven programs, then you do not need to do anything. After March 10, your donation will be automatically moved into the NSTA General Fund.

If I do nothing, what happens to my donation?

Your donation will be moved to the NSTA General Fund to provide support for NSTA’s mission-driven programs.

What is the Next Generation Fund?

The Next Generation Fund helps us build the future of the profession by supporting preservice and early career teachers. This fund supports educators who are new to the profession to attend an NSTA annual conference so they can start their careers with a firm foundation.

What is the NSTA General Fund?

The NSTA General Fund provides support for NSTA’s mission-driven programs. The funds are used to help where the need is greatest.

If I opt for a refund, when will I receive it?

You will receive a check for your donation amount by June 10, 2023, and a 1099 form at year-end. Please consult with your tax advisors regarding the tax implications of a returned donation.

Additional Questions?

Please contact us at donations@nsta.org